News

In their 2017-18 annual report the IMB at HMP Ashfield note that Ashfield: is a very safe and secure prison where prisoners are treated with respect, decency and humanity; benefits from strong leadership and a culture of continuous improvement which have delivered significant improvements in the last twelve months; and fulfils its role very well … Read more >

The Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Birmingham believe that the prison is making early progress following the takeover of the prison by HMPPS in facing up to significant challenges. Their report for the period July 2017 – June 2018 highlights and, in some cases restates from previous reports, the concerns that have led to HMPPS … Read more >

Independent Monitors, who are appointed by Ministers to check that prisons are fair, just and humane, say that HMP Warren Hill on the Suffolk coast is providing very well for long-term prisoners, many of whom have found it difficult to make progress in other prisons. The local Independent Monitoring Board, whose volunteer members made 204 … Read more >

Independent Monitors for HMP Altcourse, who are appointed by Ministers to check that prisons are fair, just and humane, say in their annual report about the prison that: The introduction of new initiatives, including Pets as Therapy, the enhanced use of prisoner mentors, and the work of the Safer Custody Team, have all contributed to … Read more >

From 1 November, the governance structure for the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) will change. This follows a government consultation, which was reviewed and revised by the National Chair, Dame Anne Owers after her appointment in November 2017, and discussed at four regional chairs’ forums in the first part of 2018. The new structure will support … Read more >

The latest report of Bedford prison’s Independent Monitoring Board has shown the difficulties in managing a 150-year-old local prison with a high turnover of inmates, a chronic lack of investment over many years and the impact of losing large numbers of experienced staff. The IMB’s annual report highlights, in particular, conditions in the segregation unit … Read more >